When looking at the title of this article, a question that one is tempted to ask is: What is the connection? BDS and culture have nothing to do with each other. If we examine this, we can see that BDS does affect culture freedom and democracy in Israel. How? One may ask.The new Israeli Coalition Government is now right wing, if not more towards extreme right wing. The Likud Election Campaign played on the feelings of many apolitical citizens, who were not motivated to vote. PM Benjamin…See More

The idea of a two-state solution has been doing the rounds for many years to achieve a peace settlement between Israelis and Palestinians. Most countries in the world including the US, EU have expressed support for a two-state solution. A solution to the…See More

Since the end of Operation Protective Edge, East Jerusalem has been smoldering in unrest. Palestinian youngsters are throwing stones, fire-crackers and vandalizing the light rail train in East Jerusalem. Adding to the increasing violence, individual Palestinian terrorists have been ramming their vehicles…See More

Profile Information

My personal story:

I was born and educated in Cape Town, South Africa. The horrors of apartheid in South Africa has influenced my attitudes towards human rights in the Middle East. I have been living in Israel since 1974 - more than half my life. Married with 3 daughters. Languages spoken: English, Hebrew, some Afrikaans and very few Arabic words.

Why I want peace:

Peace is important so that our children Israeli and Palestinian can be assured of a decent future. Peace means that lives are saved and creates an atmosphere whereby both sides can improve their quality of life and that there should be understanding and respect between Israelis and Palestinians. The people must decide on how to achieve this lofty goal. Peace also insures progress for a better Middle East and an end to extremism on both sides.

Dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians at grassroots level. It is the ordinary people who make peace between themselves who eventually can convince their political leaders to move in this direction. Politicians on both sides are incapable of making peace unless the people want peace and bond between each other in love, undrstanding and a common desire to end the conflict. As human beings, I do believe that both Israelis and Palestinians have a common humanity and this is not empasized enough as the paths of communication between the two peoples are almost blocked. Using the Internet and meeting at checkposts for discussion, I am sure thatPalestinians and Israelis can make new friends and get to know each other better.

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Family Visit to Cape Town, South Africa

I am now back in Israel after a wonderful holiday in Cape Town. It was great visiting close family and old friends. At the same time, I also met Jeremy Routledge (who is also a Peacemaker on Mepeace). We had a great conversation on prospects of peace between Israel and the Palestinians while walking from Sea Point to the Green Point Sport Stadium where the International Soccer Games will be taking place in 2010.

The Israeli General Elections are in the offing and soon the parties will be campaigning in order to win. One does not have to be a genius to realize that no party will gain an absolute majority. The idea of peace between Israel and her neighbours, especially her Palestinian neighbours, will be regarded as a hot potato by the triumvirate (Likud, Kadima and Labor). This will not be given high priority as it should. The party that makes peace as part of its agenda will not gather much…Continue

We are now in the post Zionist era of Israel’s development. There are those people who view the post Zionist period in Israel’s development as the period when Zionism has ceased to be relevant. The conclusion that one reaches is that the rot has set into Israel’s corridors of power and influence. This rot filters down from the ex- President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, “run of the mill” party political hacks, who are Knesset Members, and directors of government departments. The rot… Continue

The definition of Zionism has many facets. Before one can discuss this highly charged subject, it would be helpful to define Zionism in general terms. Zionism is the national revival movement of the Jewish people. It holds that the Jews have the right to self-determination in their own national home, and the right to develop their national culture. Historically, Zionism strove to create a legally recognized national home for the Jews in their historical homeland. This goal was implemented by… Continue

How nice to find a good friend here! I realize more and more than there are so many people from the Israeli civil society who fight for just peace, and they're quite a few, but surprisingly, the press and the media in general never report their activities or mention their efforts towards more communication and dialogue. All we see on TV channels across the whole world and also what we read on the most powerful papers gives the impression no one in Israel cares and a total absence of any form of civil society activities. The reality is amazingly different from the image they send the whole world about what really goes on in this part of the world. More and more people should hear about all of you doing so many great things and sparing no effort to make things move forward. keep up the hope ! Thank you Shimon for everything you do for the sake for peace.
Warmest regards,
Raoudha

A True Story By Faisal Al-kateep
I am a Palestinian Arab from Hizmeh, a village between Jerusalem and Ramallah. When I was 15 years old I fought against the Israeli Occupation in search of freedom. At that time I thought every Jewish person, whether soldier or citizen, man or woman, young or old, should be killed. I rejected the right for any Jew to live and every Jew was a target. I was just a kid, believe me, and I didn’t understand anything about politics or the Arab-Israeli conflict. I was arrested and sat in jail for 12 years. This was during the first intifada from 1987. At that time nobody talked about peace but only of violence. I matured during my time in jail. I started studying and reading books on politics, literature, poetry, and about the Madrid Conference.

It gave me hope to live in peace and dignity. I learned that violence only breeds violence and that peace is the only solution for the two nations, the only way for both to have a respectful and beautiful future. We live on the same land. We are neighbors. We drink the same water and both pray to a monotheistic God. We must live in peace on the basis of religion for God and land for everyone.

I agree, Linda! However, we must always remember that according to the international monitors of the elections in Gaza, the elections were fair and that Hamas won the elections in a fair ballot. I am aware, of course, that Hamas are not imprisoned as you say, but the people of Gaza. However, I am sure that most of the people of Gaza do not support Hamas today because of the oppression of Hamas and their zero achievements for the Palestinians. The onus is on the Palestinian People to rebel against Hamas and send them to hell where they belong! By doing this, Gaza will win its freedom and hopefully the era of Hamastan with its religious fanaticism - will come to an end! Inshallah!

Hamas is creating a situation whereby the siege on Gaza cannot be lifted - not by the Egyptians nor the Israelis. If only there is a way to allow innocent Gazan Palestinians freedom of movement. I do not know whether there is a way to ensure that with out Hamas taking advantage and embarking on another onslaught of terror. Maybe there are readers with ideas that are practical as to how this could be achieved. I would support the end of the siege if it allows freedom for Palestinians in Gaza. As circumstances stand now, the lifting of the siege strengthens Hamas and Iran and grants them legitimicy which they ill deserve.

hello shimon z.klien how are you ? hope too that you are always in a better life cause you a lucky guy whom you are a good peace make in this world specially in your place and your so blessed that you were here in this org.whom i was an avid fun of this organization , and hope to see you soon here in our place just to see me personally and have a peace here if you want too,, help us ..your so welcome here in the philippines whom i was staying as of now ,,and may you say oh my god i'ts you harry again me god bless you and more power to you and bless as your family circle ..and more activity to be done on you in this organization..